New EU Ambassador hopes for closer relations with the Philippines
MANILA – The new European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Véron presented his credentials to President Rodrigo Duterte at the Presidential Palace today.
Ambassador Véron arrived in Manila last December. During his call on President Rodrigo Duterte at the Malacañang Palace, he said there’s a growing relationship between the European Union and the Philippines which has already spanned for six decades.
“Our shared interests and values are a strong basis for a partnership based on respect and mutual benefit and in pursuit of the effective implementation of the EU-PH Partnership and Cooperation Agreement,” he said during his remarks before President Duterte.
The new EU ambassador worked as Head of Division for Human Resources in the European External Action Service, the EU’s Foreign Service. Before that, he was the Deputy Head for Central Asia Division and was an Adviser to the Security Directorate. He spend five years in Washington where he led the political section of the EU Delegation to the United States of America and the EU Observer role at the Organization of American States (OAS).
Ambassador Véron has a PhD in Macro Economics and Economic Model and an MA in International Relations, Economics and Public Law. He believes on the importance of strengthening multilateralism and cooperation on bilateral, regional and global issues.
It will be recalled the EU has a strategic interest in a stable, prosperous and secure Philippines as he underscored the significant of furthering trade and investment, promoting maritime security and maintaining open and safe shipping routes.
“The EU and the Philippines have developed a strong economic and trade partnership, characterized by a balance trade flow exceeding today by P715 billion worth of trade in goods,” he said. He added the EU and its business community is also the first foreign investor in the Philippines.
ASEAN is a strategic partner of the EU and the EU hopes to engage closely with the Philippines because of its role as the ASEAN coordinator for Dialogue Relations with the EU beginning August this year.
Ambassador Véron underscored EU’s efforts to fight climate change and its role in humanitarian aid, civil protection and disaster preparedness. The EU will continue working with the Philippines in upholding their commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights which is an essential element for partnership and cooperation agreement and GSP+ implementation.
Ambassador Véron said the EU is willing to have a productive political relationship with the Philippine government, to support the Philippines in its efforts to overcome COVID-19 crisis and its efforts to restart the economy.
“The EU, and its member states will continue their efforts to contribute to the international response to the pandemic, including by guaranteeing affordable and fair access to vaccines for all,” he further said.
He highlighted the EU’s commitment to the peace process with the recent signing of several financing agreements worth P4.7 billion to continue the support for the peace process that has been the commitment of President Duterte.
He also reiterated the EU’s commitment to the peace process: “The recent signing of several financing agreements worth PHP 4.7 billion will enable us to continue our unwavering support to the peace process that has been a cornerstone of your Presidency,” he added. (Melo M. Acuña)
EU Ambassador to Manila Luc Véron as he delivers his remarks during the presentation of credentials to the Chief Executive. (Melo M. Acuna)
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